England's fresh, if not so new, faces of Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter enjoyed their first run back in the national team's colours after getting the nod from Stuart Lancaster to play an integral role in England's Six Nations campaign, starting Friday night in Wales.

Cipriani was in sprightly form when given the chance to take on playmaking duties during training at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot on Wednesday while Easter appeared to be enjoying his return to the England fold at the age of 36 having played his last Test at the 2011 World Cup.

The dynamic new centre pairing of Bath's Jonathan Joseph and Northampton's Luther Burrell was also tested out as they prepare to face the ominous Wales duo of Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts.

Danny Cipriani is tackled by Jonathan Joseph during the England's training session at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot on Wednesday

Cipriani has been given the nod from Stuart Lancaster for the back-up fly-half spot behind George Ford to take on Wales on Friday night

Cipriani's form for Sale Sharks has been impossible to ignore since he was overlooked for England's line-up during the autumn internationals

Nick Easter returns to the England set-up at age 36 with the Harlequins No 8 having played his last Test in the 2011 World Cup

ENGLAND TEAM FOR SIX NATIONS OPENER AGAINST WALES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, IN CARDIFF

'We've had to make some tight calls but we are excited about the side selected for what will be big challenge,' Lancaster said.

Cipriani comes in as cover for George Ford, who was uncontested for the starting fly-half spot after Owen Farrell was injured.

More of a specialist No 8, experienced Easter will be back-up for the injury-riddled second row in which Dave Attwood will be the senior lock alongside rookie George Kruis, who has not played for three weeks after being banned for a dangerous tackle.

Dan Cole returns at tighthead prop as he comes back from a foot injury for his first Test appearance for almost a year, stepping in for David Wilson, who has a neck problem.

Cipriani (centre) speaks with England's starting fly-half George Ford as they prepare for their 2015 Six Nations opener

Cipriani expressed his delight at being involved again with England ahead of the start of the Six Nations

Cipriani said on Twitter that his mum is delighted with him playing for England again and added he is looking forward to the Wales game

Cole is one of four British and Irish Lions returning to the 23 alongside Tom Youngs, Mako Vunipola and Tom Croft, who have been picked on the bench, although due to rampant injuries in the forwards only nine from the starting 15 that beat Australia at Twickenham in the autumn remain.

Joe Marler continues at loosehead while Dylan Hartley, in spite of recent disciplinary issues, has kept Tom Youngs from the starting line-up.

Ben Morgan's Championship-ending broken leg means Billy Vunipola starts at number eight and James Haskell comes in for Tom Wood, who has an ankle issue.

Joseph and Burrell's coming together in the midfield are the only adjustments to the backline that beat the Wallabies in November with Ford joined by scrum-half Ben Youngs.

Joseph (right) and Burrell (centre) are the only backline alterations to the side that beat the Wallabies in November

Burrell runs hard at the line during training on Wednesday as scrum-half Ben Youngs (left) ghosts behind in support

Incredibly mobile Joseph and Burrell will take on imposing Welsh duo Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts in the battle of the midfield

Billy Twelvetrees has beaten Jack Nowell to the final available spot among the replacements.

'Jonathan has been one of the form centres in the country. He and Luther have trained well together and this is a big opportunity for both of them,' head coach Stuart Lancaster said.

'Billy Vunipola has been playing well for Saracens and it's good to be able to give George Kruis his first international start after his impressive run off the bench in November.

'Dan Cole and James Haskell bring a lot of experience, as do the bench, and their contribution will be crucial on Friday night.'

Just five players remain from the 30-3 rout suffered by England last time they visited Cardiff two years ago.